After announcing the approval for the renovation of the iconic KeyArena back in December 2017, this week saw a flurry of activity as the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Seattle Center Arena took place, as well as the formal awarding of a new NHL team to the city.
The new Seattle Center Arena, which was given the approval for a memorandum of understanding between the city and Oak View Group for the renovation of KeyArena, provided the first tangible and visible milestone as construction on the new venue kicks off.
The NHL approved adding Seattle as the 32nd team for the 2021 season, the same year in which time the new Seattle Center Arena is scheduled to open its doors under its famous sloping roofline. As yet, a team name and logo have not been announced.
The venue, which is being reconstructed and refurbished within the walls of its existing structure, will serve as the stage for NHL hockey, basketball, Seattle University basketball and, potentially, the return of an NBA team.
Much of the activity around the arena’s massive renovation, much like an iceberg, is out of sight, either subterranean or hidden by the iconic canopy of the structure, which opened as the Washington State Pavilion for the 1962 World’s Fair.
“We know that fans are going to be amazed at the new arena, our neighbors and community will be proud, and we can’t wait to open the doors in time for the Seattle Storm to begin its 2021 season, with the inaugural NHL Seattle season soon to follow,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO of NHL Seattle.
